Left-Sided Brain Vs Right-Sided Brain - Which One Is Dominant To You?

You've probably heard about the recent studies on how our brain functions. 

Basically, our brain has two sides i.e. Left Hemisphere and Right Hemisphere where each hemisphere functions differently. It is said that most of us depend more on one side of the brain than the other one as we learn new information. Based upon the sides of the brain that people use, everyone has different learning styles. 

As for 'Left-brained' people, they are considered to be more analytical and theoretical. The left side of the brain is more verbal, logical, and orderly than the right one. It's much better at things like reading, writing, and computations. Because of its analytical and logical behavior, the left is often known as the 'Digital Brain.'

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Generally, people who use the left side of the brain are more organized, logical, and orderly than others. They like words and like to do things that make them use their brain. They often tend to follow through a certain pre-determined path and learn in numbered steps. They are more concerned about how they carry out things and tend to avoid committing mistakes in their work. 

On the contrary, 'Right-brained' ones are more outgoing, creative, and spontaneous than the left-brained ones. As for the right hemisphere of the brain, it is more visual-oriented and intuitive. It is also known as the 'Analog Brain.' It is much better at grasping the visuals, images, patterns, and faces.

Unlike the 'Left-brained' people, Right-brained people are better at figuring out things by themselves than following a definite path. They have a more creative and less organized way of thinking than the left-brained ones. Though they are not so good at analytical kinds of stuff, they are much better at artistic and visual-oriented things. 

Likewise, they don't fear making mistakes and errors. Instead, they tend to learn from their errors. They try to see the pattern of things and like more images than words. They will certainly take more time but will get their work done eventually.

Anyways, let's come to the main part of the article. Which part of the brain is more dominant to you?

Assume that you're given a simple task. Let's take an example of a tri-cycle. You are given the dismantled parts of the tri-cycle and are now told to assemble it all. So, how do you do it? 

Do you pull out the instruction book and read through it step-by-step? Or do you dump everything out on the living room carpet and start figuring out what goes where? The way you do it, has a lot to say about you, your learning style, and the side of the brain you use. 

In simple words, if you use the instruction book and follow the well-ordered steps then you are "Left-Brained" - the one who's more analytical and ordered. But if you try figuring out everything eventually then you are "Right-Brained" - the one who's more creative and spontaneous. 

I guess you are able to figure out which part of the part is dominant to you by now. 

In medical terms, the two hemispheres are tied together by bundles of nerve fibers, creating an information highway. Although the two sides function differently, they work together and complement each other. You don’t use only one side of your brain at a time.

Whether you’re performing a logical or creative function, you’re receiving input from both sides of your brain. For example, the left brain is associated with language, but the right brain helps you understand context and tone. The left brain handles mathematical equations, but the right brain helps out with comparisons and rough estimates.

General personality traits, individual preferences, or learning styles don’t translate into the notion that you’re left-brained or right-brained.

Regarding the learning styles, there are mainly three ways that a person can learn new things. They are auditory (hearing), visual (seeing and writing), or kinesthetic (touching).

The auditory learner learns best from word of mouth. Verbal instructions have the most impact - hearing someone's name, listening to instructions. The visual learner tends to think in pictures and remember what he/she sees or writes. Hearing directions doesn't work as well as reading those directions.

Unlike them, a kinesthetic learner prefers to learn by doing. Reading or hearing isn't as effective for him/her as hands-on instructions. Touch is important to the learning process.

Still, it’s a fact that the two sides of your brain are different, and certain areas of your brain do have specialties. The exact areas of some functions can vary a bit from person to person.